Patriotism, devt only come through righteous nation life, not anthem–Lawyer
A Lagos-based constitutional lawyer and public affairs analyst, Mr Jide Ologun says patriotism and development only come through righteous nation life and not through National Anthem.
Ologun, a former chairman, of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ikeja Branch, made the remark in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.
He was reacting to the Federal Government’s reintroduction of the Old National Anthem: Nigeria We Hail Thee and the major differences between the reintroduced anthem and the discarded one- ‘Arise O Compatriots’.
Speaking on the possible difference the new anthem will make on the psyche of Nigerians, Ologun said that the nation’s much desired patriotism and development would come by good governance.
The legal practitioner and social commentator said that though President Bola Tinubu alluded the nation’s diversity and need to maximise potentials as reason for assenting the bill, only justice would set the country on path to progress.
Ologun said: “While wishing President Tinubu the best, patriotism goes beyond the national anthem.
“Development comes through righteous national life as against the pervasive corruption in the nation, even when S. 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (amended) mandates the state to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of office.
“We need decisive approach to protecting, harnessing the nation’s resources, creating commonwealth for common good, and protecting the nation’s wealth from state enemies invasion.
“If the old national anthem turned new national anthem finds expression in citizens conduct, then success would have been recorded, otherwise, we may just be embarking on a sentimental journey devoid of positive societal impact.”
According to him, changing the National Anthem of Nigeria will not change the national culture of corruption and disregard for democratic principles.
He said that switching to the old National Anthem was never in the priority list of the need of Nigeria.
